As an avid reader, one of my favourite genres to escape into is adult fantasy romance. These are the books you pick up late at night, promising yourself just one chapter, only to realise hours have passed and the world has gone quiet around you. They do not just transport us to magical kingdoms or mythical lands; they invite us to feel deeply and believe in love that can survive curses, wars, and impossible odds.
If you are a reader who loves the thrill of magic, the pull of star-crossed lovers, and the depth of adult relationships, adult fantasy romance books are the perfect escape. These stories combine epic worlds, dangerous quests, and heart-stopping romance that keeps you turning pages well into the night. Below is a curated list of 15 adult fantasy romance books, including a mix of lesser-known titles you may not see everywhere on social media or BookTok. Do not get me wrong, popular reads like Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses are great, but this list also highlights some underrated gems you should definitely know about.
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Adult Fantasy Romance Books You Should Read
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L.Jensen
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🔥 Norse mythology, shield maidens, forbidden desire, and fate written in blood.
What it’s about:
Freya is bound to a life she never chose, trapped in an unwanted marriage and spending her days gutting fish while dreaming of becoming a warrior. Everything changes when her husband betrays her, forcing Freya into a brutal fight that reveals her deepest secret. She carries the blood of a goddess, marking her as a shield maiden with magic powerful enough to repel any attack. According to prophecy, her power could unite the fractured nation of Skaland under the ruler who controls her fate. That ruler believes himself to be the future king and binds Freya to him with a blood oath, ordering his fierce and dangerous son, Bjorn, to protect her. As Freya trains to master her magic and faces brutal trials set by the gods themselves, she must also resist her growing attraction to Bjorn, a desire that could cost her everything.
Why you should read it:
A Fate Inked in Blood is raw, atmospheric, and steeped in Norse-inspired mythology. Danielle L. Jensen excels at writing capable heroines who are allowed to be angry, ambitious, and deeply human. Freya’s journey from survival to self-determination is gripping, and the forbidden romance adds a constant undercurrent of tension. If you love prophecies, morally complex families, and slow-burn attraction set against epic stakes, this finished duology is absolutely worth your time.
“So many of those in my life were content to take and take from me, leaving me a barren well. Bjorn alone had taken nothing, asked for nothing, but given me so much. Around him I felt so full, so alive, and I burned with the need to give all of myself to him. To hold nothing back, not my heart, not my soul.”
– Danielle L. Jensen
Alchemised by SenLinYu
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🏰 A haunting, dark fantasy romance about memory, power, and love forged through ruin.
What it’s about:
Once a gifted alchemist, Helena Marino is now a prisoner of war in a world that has already decided she no longer matters. The Resistance is dead, the war is over, and the victors now rule through corruption, necromancy, and fear. Helena’s abilities have been suppressed, and worse, her memories of the months before her capture are gone. Believed to be insignificant, Helena is sent to the High Reeve, one of the most feared necromancers in the new regime, to uncover what she may be hiding within her fractured mind. Trapped on his decaying estate, Helena must protect what remains of herself while uncovering truths that could reshape everything she thought she knew about the war, her past, and the man holding her captive.
Why you should read it:
Alchemised is the kind of adult fantasy romance that stays with you long after you finish it. This book isn’t just about magic or romance. It’s about who gets to write history, whose suffering is remembered, and what survival actually costs. The worldbuilding is meticulous, blending science, faith, and decay into something unsettlingly believable. The romance is slow, heavy, and deeply human, built on shared ruin rather than fantasy idealism. If you love morally complex stories, layered themes, and quiet devastation, this book is unforgettable.
“I have warned you. If something happens to you, I will personally raze the entire Order. That isn’t a threat. That is a promise. Consider your survival as much a necessity to the survival of the Resistance as Potter’s. If you die, I will kill every last one of them.”
– senlinyu
The Silversmith by LJ Claren
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⚔️ Grief, hidden power, and a slow-burn romance that simmers rather than explodes.
What it’s about:
Ary Gold is barely surviving after the deaths of her father and brother, clinging to life in the harsh northern wilds. When friends reveal that her royal bloodline carries long-lost magic, Ary is forced into a destiny far larger than her grief. The realm of Nyrida is under threat, and an ancient shadow wielder seeks to claim her power. To save the kingdom, Ary must enter a political marriage with a commander whose army could turn the tide of war. But the man assigned to train her is not her betrothed. Cold, violent, and unreadable, he becomes both her greatest challenge and her greatest temptation. As Ary’s power awakens, she must choose between duty and a love that could cost her everything.
Why you should read it:
The Silversmith takes familiar fantasy romance tropes and gives them emotional maturity. Ary is a refreshing protagonist, grieving but resilient, never reduced to her trauma. The romance is a true slow burn, built on restraint, tension, and unspoken understanding rather than instant attraction. While some twists may feel predictable, the emotional payoff is strong, and the story lingers quietly rather than loudly. It’s a perfect read if you love yearning, forbidden connection, and character-driven fantasy.
“Because there is no line I will not cross for you.”
-LJ Claren
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L.Armentrout
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🩸Destiny, deception, and desire collide in this wildly addictive fantasy romance.
What it’s about:
Poppy has been chosen since birth to fulfil a sacred role as the Maiden. She is forbidden from being touched, seen, or truly known, waiting for an Ascension she doesn’t fully believe in. While the kingdom rests its future on her shoulders, Poppy longs for a life of choice and agency, especially after losing her family to violence. Everything shifts when Hawke, a guarded and infuriatingly charming protector, enters her life. As forbidden desire tangles with duty, Poppy begins to question everything she’s been taught about the gods, her kingdom, and herself. Meanwhile, a cursed enemy kingdom rises from the shadows, threatening to unravel the fragile world around her.
Why you should read it:
From Blood and Ash is unapologetically dramatic, fast-paced, and addictive. It thrives on tension, secrets, and emotional upheaval, making it perfect for readers who love high-stakes romance and shocking reveals. While divisive for some, it’s undeniably compelling and a cornerstone of modern adult fantasy romance.
“Promise me you won’t forget this, Poppy. That no matter what happens tomorrow, the next day, next week, you won’t forget this, forget that this was real”
– Jennifer L.Armentrout
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
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👑 An enemies-to-lovers romance shaped by politics, betrayal, and impossible choices.
What it’s about:
Lara has been raised in isolation, trained to believe one thing above all else: King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy. Sent as a bride under the illusion of peace, Lara’s true mission is to destroy the kingdom from within and deliver it to her homeland. As she infiltrates the Bridge Kingdom, Lara begins to uncover truths that challenge everything she was taught. Her growing feelings for Aren clash violently with her loyalty and purpose, forcing her to choose between duty and conscience.
Why you should read it:
While more accessible and straightforward than some epic fantasies, The Bridge Kingdom shines in its political tension and morally conflicted heroine. The romance develops alongside betrayal and self-doubt, making it a satisfying read for fans of strategic marriages and enemies-to-lovers dynamics.
“Since the moment I set eyes on you in Southwatch, there’s been no one but you. Even if I’m a goddamned fool for it, there will never be anyone but you.”
– Danielle L.jensen
You are a fool, she thought as darkness took her.
And that made two of them.”
Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
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🔥 Demon courts, danger, and a romance crackling with chaos and chemistry.
What it’s about:
Envy, the Prince of Hell’s demon court, is drawn into a deadly game after receiving a cryptic note threatening his realm. Confident in his cunning, Envy believes he can control every outcome, until he meets Camilla Antonius, a sharp-tongued artist forced into a devil’s bargain after a scandal puts her future at risk. Together, they navigate riddles, demon courts, vampire realms, and deadly traps, all while resisting the most dangerous threat of all: falling for each other.
Why you should read it:
Throne of the Fallen is indulgent, clever, and wildly entertaining. Camilla stands out as a heroine whose power lies in intelligence and creativity rather than brute strength. The chemistry between her and Envy is electric, full of banter, tension, and vulnerability. With rich worldbuilding and deliciously dark romance, this is a must-read for fans of morally grey love interests and lush fantasy settings.
“Life would be so much simpler if she would fall for the male whose moral compass was as dependable as the North Star.”
– kerri maniscalco
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The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino
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⚔️ Obsessive devotion, sacred bonds, and a love powerful enough to end the world.
What it’s about:
In a world where magic is sustained through sacred bonds between mages and their chosen, The Second Death of Locke follows Grey Flynn, a warrior bound to protect her mage, Kier. Grey has dedicated her entire existence to him. She will be his blade, his healer, his shield. The raw power inside her belongs to Kier to wield, and she would give him anything if he only asked.
When a mission to protect the child of an enemy kingdom draws them into the heart of a brutal war, Grey’s carefully guarded secret begins to unravel. She is no ordinary magical well, but the heir to the lost island of Locke, the root of all magic. If Grey dies, magic itself will die with her. As war closes in, both Grey and Kier must decide what they are willing to sacrifice to protect each other and the fragile world they’re bound to.
Why you should read it:
This book is devastating in the quietest, most painful way. From the opening chapters, the worldbuilding is immersive and lyrical, unfolding slowly like a bruise beneath the skin. The relationship between Grey and Kier is the emotional core of the story, raw, codependent, and aching with unspoken longing. I loved how the devotion flows from Grey’s perspective, flipping the usual fantasy dynamic and allowing a woman’s obsessive love to be both tragic and powerful.
Grey is a phenomenal protagonist, fierce, stubborn, and emotionally complex. While I wished for a dual POV to better understand Kier, the story’s exploration of devotion in all its forms, romantic, platonic, and inherited, elevates it beyond a standard fantasy romance. Set against storm-lashed islands and war-torn lands, The Second Death of Locke is haunting, tragic, and quietly hopeful. It’s the kind of book that asks not just what you’d die for, but who you’d live for.
“What is love, without freedom?” she murmured against his skin. He leaned close to kiss her shoulder, then to whisper in her ear. “What is life, without you?”
– V.L Bovalino
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
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🌒 Gothic fantasy, cursed magic, and a monster living inside the heroine’s mind.
What it’s about:
Elspeth Spindle survives in the mist-locked kingdom of Blunder thanks to a dangerous secret. She shares her mind with the Nightmare, an ancient spirit who protects her, keeps her secrets, and demands a price for every favour. When Elspeth crosses paths with a mysterious highwayman, she’s pulled into a deadly quest to rid the kingdom of its dark magic by collecting twelve Providence Cards. The highwayman turns out to be the King’s nephew and a traitor to the crown, and as their journey grows more dangerous, Elspeth must confront the truth she’s been avoiding. The Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind, and she may not be able to stop him.
Why you should read it:
One Dark Window is eerie, atmospheric, and utterly addictive. The magic system feels fresh and unsettling, and the gothic tone permeates every page. Elspeth is a compelling heroine, caught between survival and surrender, while the romance simmers beneath layers of secrecy and danger. If you love dark fairy-tale vibes, morally grey magic, and stories where the monster isn’t easily separated from the heroine, this is a must-read.
“There once was a girl,” he murmured, “clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King—a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same: “The girl, the King… and the monster they became.”
– Rachel Gillig
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
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🎪 A whimsical, dangerous game where magic, love, and illusion blur into one.
What it’s about:
Scarlett Dragna has spent her entire life trapped on a small island under her cruel father’s control. When her long-dreamed-of invitation to Caraval finally arrives, she believes her chance has passed. Until her sister, Tella, whisks her away with the help of a mysterious sailor. As soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind, Legend, and the game becomes personal. Scarlett is told that everything in Caraval is just a performance, but as she navigates magic, heartbreak, and romance, she must decide what’s real before the five nights end or risk losing her sister forever.
Why you should read it:
Caraval is pure escapism. Whimsical, immersive, and emotionally charged, it captures the magic of believing in something impossible. The romance is subtle but compelling, the setting feels like stepping into a dream, and the story thrives on atmosphere rather than logic. If you love lush settings, sisterhood, and stories that feel like a spell, Caraval is worth experiencing.
“She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.”
– stephanie garber
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
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🛡️ Enemies to lovers, cursed kingdoms, and a princess who refuses to stay powerless.
What it’s about:
In a world where gods unleash monsters to remind mortals to kneel, a forgotten princess has spent her life obeying her father and the crown. Everything changes when a legendary monster hunter arrives and an ancient treaty binds her future to a man she despises.
Forced into a political marriage and a dangerous journey across treacherous lands, she must learn to fight, survive, and reclaim her agency. Everyone wants her to be something she’s not. A queen. A sacrifice. A pawn. But she’s done kneeling.
Why you should read it:
I devoured Shield of Sparrows in just two days. The worldbuilding is accessible and immersive, the character growth satisfying, and the romance a true enemies-to-lovers slow burn done right. The banter crackles, the tension feels earned, and the FMC’s evolution from powerless to formidable is deeply rewarding. Add in a cliffhanger ending and an upcoming film adaptation, and this is a perfect romantasy pick if you love strong character arcs and swoony tension.
“When I am nothing but dust and ash, Turah will endure. I do not need a crown. And I have made peace with my destiny. But before I step into my grave, my choice is you.”
-devney perry
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
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📚 A spellbound manuscript, forbidden love, and centuries-old secrets.
What it’s about:
When scholar Diana Bishop accidentally calls up a bewitched manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library, she ignites a chain reaction that draws witches, vampires, and daemons out of hiding. Though descended from a powerful line of witches, Diana has spent her life avoiding magic, until her discovery forces her to confront her heritage. Enter Matthew Clairmont, a centuries-old vampire geneticist whose alliance with Diana defies ancient laws. As their bond deepens, they uncover secrets that could reshape the supernatural world.
Why you should read it:
A Discovery of Witches is rich, intelligent, and deeply addictive. It blends history, science, and magic with a mature romance that feels grounded despite its fantastical elements. Diana is a thoughtful, capable heroine, and her relationship with Matthew develops with restraint and depth. With a completed series and an excellent TV adaptation, this is a perfect choice if you love immersive storytelling and slow-building romance.
“It is a blessing as well as a burden to love so much that you can hurt so badly when love is gone.”
– deborah harkness
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Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu
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✨ Prophecy, celestial villains, and star-crossed lovers written in the stars.
What it’s about:
Elara is cursed by prophecy. She is destined to fall in love with a Star, and that love will kill them both. When Ariete, the Star of Wrath, destroys her kingdom, Elara flees and finds refuge in the Kingdom of Light, where she’s taken under the wing of Prince Lorenzo. As Elara trains to become a weapon against the Stars, shadows begin to surface, both within the kingdom and within herself. And no matter how hard she tries to resist it, the pull between her and Lorenzo is undeniable.
Why you should read it:
Heavenly Bodies is romance-forward and trope-rich, with an intriguing zodiac-inspired world and undeniable chemistry between the leads. While pacing and plot cohesion falter toward the end, the ideas are strong and the emotional core remains compelling. If you enjoy prophecy-driven romance and celestial aesthetics, this is an entertaining start to a series with plenty of potential.
“You deserve to feel true love,” he said finally as his thumb began to trace the inside of her palm. Her breathing shallowed, trying to focus on the light show. “You deserve to feel adored.” His thumb stroked the inside of her wrist. “To feel pleasure.” It came to rest back on her palm. He paused. “To feel a love where they’re the first you look for in every room.”
– imani erriu
The Ascended by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox
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⭐ Trials, gods, and a slow-burn romance forged through trust and restraint.
What it’s about:
Thais Morvaren hides her ability to forge starlight while living a quiet life as a fisherman’s daughter. When her power is exposed, she’s dragged into the deadly Trials of Ascension, a brutal competition where mortals can rise to godhood. Bound to a necromancer prince as her mentor, Thais navigates divine politics, deadly trials, and a growing threat lurking beneath the heavens. Each step toward ascension comes with a rising cost, and not all stars are meant to survive the fall.
Why you should read it:
The Ascended is one of the most immersive romantasy reads I’ve picked up in a long time. The worldbuilding is layered and intuitive, the magic system original, and the heroine refreshingly emotionally intelligent. The slow-burn romance between Thais and Xül is masterfully done, built on trust, banter, and mutual respect rather than miscommunication. If you value character-driven tension and thoughtful storytelling, this is a standout.
“There are always choices…Maybe not easy ones, maybe not good ones, but there’s always a choice.”
-Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox
The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman
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🐺 Forbidden attraction, warring kingdoms, and wolves that aren’t what they seem.
What it’s about:
On the eve of her arranged marriage, Princess Aurora spares the life of a captured werewolf at a brutal dog fight. Her mercy puts her on the radar of a powerful alpha, and when he escapes, he kidnaps her and takes her north, into lands where werewolf clans are uniting against humanity. As war looms and attraction grows, Aurora begins to question everything she’s been taught about monsters, loyalty, and home.
Why you should read it:
The Wolf King is fast-paced, addictive, and easy to sink into. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers solid enemies-to-lovers tension, engaging chemistry, and a compelling political backdrop. Think Outlander meets ACOTAR, with wolves. It’s a fun, bingeable read for fans of brooding alphas and forbidden romance.
“You should never pretend to be less than what you are.”
– Lauren Palphreyman
In the Veins of the Drowning (The Siren Mage, #1) by Kalie Cassidy
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🌊 Gothic sirens, blood bonds, and a love that threatens to drown everything.
What it’s about:
Imogen Nel is a siren in hiding, feared and hunted by a kingdom that views her kind as monsters. When a visiting king discovers her secret, they form a blood bond that binds their survival together. Forced to flee, they journey through undead-infested waters and confront the blurred lines between duty, desire, and power.
Why you should read it:
This is a lush, atmospheric debut steeped in gothic tension and haunting imagery. While the opening is slow, it allows the world and magic to unfurl beautifully. The romance is a satisfying slow burn, laced with yearning and restraint, and by the midpoint the story fully takes hold. If you love eerie settings, siren lore, and morally complex heroines, this is a promising start to a dark fantasy series.
“He spoke over my lips. “What I feel for you is beyond reason—beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos.” His nose brushed the end of mine. “You. I want you.”
– Kalie Cassidy
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